FACTSHEET R O S S R I V E R V I R U S I N F E C T I O N

WHAT IS ROSS RIVER VIRUS? HOW LONG DOES THE ILLNESS LAST? • Ross River virus is a germ that infects people, • Many people will recover completely within a few particularly in rural areas, sometimes causing a flu- weeks. Others have symptoms lasting more than three like illness with joint pains. months, and in rare cases for more than a year. • Ross River virus is not fatal. • The symptoms can re-occur on and off over this period of time. Usually the symptoms become less HOW IS ROSS RIVER VIRUS SPREAD? severe each time they recur. • A full recovery can be expected. • The virus is spread by certain types of female mosquitoes. WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR ROSS RIVER • Female mosquitoes feed on animals and people. If they VIRUS INFECTION? feed on the blood of an infected animal, the mosquito There is no specific treatment for Ross River virus may become infected. The virus then multiplies within • infection. the mosquito and is passed to other animals or people when the mosquito feeds again. • Your doctor will be able to advise you on medications that will help ease the discomfort of the symptoms. • Infections tend to peak in the summer and autumn months. • Plenty of rest, along with moderate exercise and healthy eating, may help in your recovery. • The virus is not spread directly from one person to another. HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE ROSS RIVER VIRUS INFECTION? WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ROSS RIVER VIRUS INFECTION? • If you have symptoms, see your doctor, who can order a blood test to diagnose Ross River virus infection. • Many people who are infected with the virus will never develop symptoms. CAN ROSS RIVER VIRUS DISEASE BE • Some people will have flu-like symptoms that include PREVENTED? fever, chills, headache and aches and pains in the • Yes! Avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, especially in muscles and joints. the summer and autumn months when infections peak. • Some joints can become swollen, and joint stiffness • Various species of mosquitoes bite at different times. may be particularly noticeable in the morning. Avoid being outside in the late afternoon and dusk. • Sometimes a rash occurs on the body, arms or legs. Mosquitoes are usually most active up to one to three The rash usually disappears after seven to 10 days. hours after sunset and again around dawn. • A general feeling of being unwell, tired or weak may • When outside wear loose fitting, light coloured also occur at times during the illness. This may affect clothing that covers your arms and legs, and use an work performance. insect repellent that contains the chemical diethyl toluamide (DEET). HOW SOON DO SYMPTOMS DEVELOP AFTER • Fit fly screens to all windows, doors and chimneys BEING BITTEN BY AN INFECTED MOSQUITO? and keep them in good repair. • Symptoms usually show between seven to nine days • Use a knockdown insecticide in bedrooms half an hour after being bitten by an infected mosquito. This before going to bed. Use insecticides according to interval can vary but is generally between five to instructions. 21 days.

For more information please contact your local public health unit, local government, community health centre, pharmacist, doctor or www.arbovirus.health.nsw.gov.au

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